Hello,
I know that Smith states that they give credit for 4s and 5s on AP exams, but I’m a bit confused about what that means and what that can mean for me as an IB diploma recipient. Does anyone have experience with getting credit for IB exams? Can IB scores only be used for placement out of courses, or can I use them for credit, such as if I wished to graduate early or have a lighter workload while I study abroad?
What scores will they consider for credit?
Any information you can give me would be greatly appreciated! I’m currently trying to navigate registering for classes.
Hi!
I took AP and IB tests too and IB can also place you out of courses. Please note that Smith doesn’t let you use AP/IB for many classes. It can help for math placement, higher level sciences (ie faster paced chem), higher English classes, and foreign language placement. Smithies really don’t rely on AP/IB classes because Smith classes are challenging and beyond the scope of AP classes ex: getting a 5 on AP doesn’t always mean you should jump into Organic chemistry.
IB/AP help when you have a credit deficit and they can’t be used for Latin honors credit. It’s not really for graduating early (to my knowledge).
Look through the course catalogue but don’t worry too much about registration now, a lot of students change the classes they want during orientation. Your liberal arts advisor will sit down with you and go over class registration. Try to take a First year seminar/ENG 118 if you can, they’re great courses!
On my transcript I received credit for AP classes I got 4s and 5s on - they each give me 4.0 credits (equal to one Smith class) but I really didn’t use them to accelerate.
For IB credits, I got 8.0 credits (2 classes) for my HL classes. My SL classes are not listed even though I did well on them. I think schools typically take HLs (I got at least a 5 on them, I don’t know what the score cut off it).
Your credits for AP and IB should be on your transcript on Bannerweb before classes start, my advisor had a copy too.
Thank you so much, that’s very helpful. I got three 5s and a 7 on my HLs and all 7s on my SLs as well as a few 5s on APs, so hopefully I’ll get credit for those. Everyone is so wrapped up in trial registration now, but I think you’re right that I should wait to meet with my advisor because I have so many questions.
Thank you, again! I can’t wait to get to Smith!